Following success of phone forum, Tester plans more

More than 6,000 Montanans joined Senator for live health care conversation

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester today announced he will host several more health care conference calls in the coming weeks, following a successful call with thousands of Montanans Thursday night.

More than 6,000 people—mostly in the Billings and Bozeman areas—took part in Tester’s “telephone town hall” forum Thursday.

All participants had the opportunity to get in line to ask questions or share concerns with Tester.  Those unable to ask questions during the call had the opportunity to leave recorded messages.

Tester today returned messages to personally address specific questions.

“These calls allow me to speak directly with Montanans, and they’re a good way to share information and get feedback from folks while I’m at work in the Senate,” Tester said.  “Opening the line of communication is important so we can have a constructive health care debate based on facts and with input from Montanans.”

During Thursday’s hour-long call, Tester discussed the progress in Congress to reform the country’s health care system, and what reform would mean for Montana.  He fielded various questions from supporters and opponents of health care reform, and from callers who simply had questions about the reform process.

Tester said he will hold at least three more telephone conference calls in the coming weeks with Montanans across the state.